Signs a Last Resort.

At last Tuesday’s Public Works Committee meeting, members discussed the possibility of putting large signs in the yards of propertynot being kept up to code. This "scarlet letter" approach was suggested as a final step in the process for chronic abusers.

Committee member Jackie Boyer said she periodically receives complaints about a house on Jersey that is boarded-up and rat-infested. She used this property as an example of one that should receive a large sign in the yard with the owner’s name and phone number on it.

Codes Inspector Bud Rogers identified the house as 1214 Jersey and agreed that it has been an ongoing problem for about two years. He said the owner promises to tear it down and just does not follow through on his word.

The Committee agreed that the current notification and posting process works well in most cases and should continue, but that Rogers should look into devising a sign program for chronic abusers of the system.

Just Jake Talkin'
Mornin',

I suppose most have heard that there are some real estate transactions bein’ considered by public interests.

The School Board have set minimum bids on the Eugene Field School of $55,000 and for Hawthorne School of $95,000. The County is at least considerin’ the purchase of the Nation’s Bank buildin’ I’m told. If ever’thing transpires, the tax roles shouldn’t get hit too hard, though I’d guess the bank bein’ removed will outweigh the school property bein’ added.

From what I’m hearin’ on the street, there doesn’t seem ta be much concern over any of the transactions. The feelin’ most often expressed concernin’ the County is that at least Carthage will continue to improve its County Seat position as more County property is concentrated in the City. Informal information indicates the purchase would be a good investment with a lease back for a portion of the buildin’. Definitely worth consideration.

This is some fact, but mostly, Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Carthage Farm & Home Supply, Inc.

The Super Handyman

Dear Al & Kelly:

I thought our home needed to be painted and had started looking for painting contractors. I was lucky enough to talk to a nice contractor who suggested that we try a power washer first. We rented a rig and did the work ourselves and saved a bundle. It turned out that our home was just really dirty and didn't need to be repainted after all. I've saved this gentleman's number and plan to use him when it is time for a new paint job. It's nice to know there are still some honest and helpful people around. - S.T.

Dear Kelly:

I do a lot of painting in my spare time. I really enjoy it and have developed quite a flair. I like to use stencils and even do murals occasionally. Before I use a brush, I clean it really well with a brush cleaner and let it dry. Than I brush it back and forth to get rid of any loose bristles. I promise the extra time is worth it. - C. O.

Taking something apart to fix it usually isn't the hard part. It's getting all the pieces back together, and in the right order. A muffin pan can make the reassembly simpler.

As you take the object apart, put each piece into a separate muffin cup. Number the cups if you need to. If you don't have a spare muffin pan or are afraid of ruining a good one, you can buy inexpensive, disposable muffin pans at a grocery store.

Better organization won't necessarily help you get the item running again, but at least you'll be able to keep track of your parts, and that's one less thing to worry about.

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